Learn the essential summer watering techniques to keep your lawn
hydrated and healthy without risking overwatering or disease.
AWENDAW,
S.C., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Many
homeowners aim to maintain to keep their lawns hydrated in the
midst of summer heat, which can lead to overwatering in an attempt
to cool the grass. However, improper watering can cause drought or
disease.
Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including
rainfall. morning to reduce disease risk and allow absorption
before heat. For most grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings of 25-30
minutes should provide the needed 1 inch, adjusting based on your
system and soil type. Here are some common questions about correct
summer irrigation practices.
"Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water
per week, including rainfall, to thrive in summer heat."
How much water does my lawn need during the summer?
Warm and cool season grasses like zoysia, St. Augustine, bermuda,
centipede grass, bluegrass and fescue need around 1 inch of water
weekly, including rain. To measure this, perform a simple
irrigation audit by placing various containers, like tuna cans,
across your lawn zones. Run your irrigation or sprinkler until
these containers collect about an inch of water, adjusting as
necessary for even lawn watering.
When should I water my lawn during the summer?
In summer, water your lawn early in the morning for longer, less
frequent periods. This reduces dew duration on grass blades, aiding
in disease management and ensuring the grass absorbs water before
daytime heat.
How often should I water my lawn during the summer?
For most warm and cool season grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings should
provide the recommended 1 inch of water. However, the amount of
water delivered by your irrigation system is a key factor in
determining watering frequency.
To optimize your lawn watering, it's important to conduct an
irrigation audit. This will inform you of how much water your lawn
receives per watering, allowing you to adjust the frequency as
needed to meet the 1-inch weekly requirement.
For how long should I water my lawn during the summer?
Typically, lawn irrigation periods during summer should last 25-30
minutes. However, this duration can vary significantly based on
several factors:
Irrigation System Output
The amount of water delivered by your specific irrigation system or
sprinklers is a key consideration. An irrigation audit can help
determine the actual output.
Soil Type and Water Holding Capacity
- Sandy soils have low water holding capacity, so longer watering
periods may be needed to meet the 1-inch weekly requirement.
- Clay or loamy soils have higher water holding capacity,
requiring shorter watering periods to prevent waterlogging.
The optimal irrigation duration for your lawn will depend on
conducting an audit and understanding your specific soil
conditions. Adjusting the watering schedule accordingly will help
ensure your lawn receives the recommended 1 inch of weekly
water.
How do I know I my lawn needs more water?
Even with an irrigation audit, it can be challenging to determine
if your lawn is receiving adequate water. Signs of drought include
thinning, yellowing, or browning grass blades, as well as slower
growth.
Some drought-tolerant grasses like EMPIRE® Zoysia may go dormant
to preserve themselves, while other lawns may die if underwatered.
Distinguishing drought from disease can be difficult, as both can
cause yellowing or discoloration of grass blades. However, there
are some key differences:
- Disease often appears in irregular, circular spots of varying
size.
- The center of disease-affected areas will be dead, with a
lighter ring around the edges as the fungus spreads.
- Overwatering creates conditions favorable for disease
outbreaks.
- Checking soil moisture can help identify drought (dry soil) vs.
overwatering (damp soil).
For more information on identifying and managing common lawn
diseases, see the resource "Identifying Common Lawn Diseases".
Closely monitoring your lawn's appearance and soil conditions can
help you determine if adjustments to your watering schedule are
needed.
How do I keep my lawn cool in the summer?
As temperatures rise, it may be tempting to overwater lawns.
However, this can actually promote disease outbreaks, especially in
shaded areas. If the lawn shows signs of heat stress, such as
scorched or brown spots, consider adding a light layer of top
dressing to provide shade and cooling.
But be cautious, as a thick layer of dark-colored compost can
actually contribute to heating if left on the grass for too long.
Excess use of top dressing can also smother the grass, so
moderation is key. Monitor your lawn closely and make adjustments
to watering and shading as needed to maintain healthy growth during
hot weather.
How do I properly water newly installed sod during the
summer?
Watering new sod requires a different approach than an established
lawn:
- For the first 9 days, water twice daily (morning and
evening).
- From days 10-12, water once per day.
- From days 13-15, water every other day.
- After day 16, transition to 1 inch of water per week.
Be vigilant for disease outbreaks, especially in shady areas.
Fungus can spread in irregular circular patterns. Resist the urge
to overwater, as this can exacerbate disease. Proper fertilization
is also crucial during establishment. The Lawnifi® New Lawn Starter
Box provides the nutrients new sod needs.
Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including
rainfall. Conduct an irrigation audit to determine the proper
watering duration. Water early in the morning to reduce disease
risk and allow absorption before heat.
For most grasses, 1-2 weekly waterings of 25-30 minutes should
provide the needed 1 inch, adjusting based on your system and soil
type. Signs of underwatering include thinning, yellowing,or
browning grass. Distinguish drought from disease by looking for
irregular circular spots with dead centers.
Overwatering can also promote disease, so monitor soil
moisture.Lightly top the lawn with a thin layer of light-colored
material to help keep it cool. Proper watering and maintenance will
help your lawn thrive in summer.
Ready to for effortless lawn care? Don't wait any longer—shop
now or request a quote to experience the difference firsthand. Want
to learn more about achieving a great lawn? Check out more Sod
University tips here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
This article was written by Sod Solutions Content Strategist,
Valerie Smith. To view this article
on Sod Solutions website, click here. Sod Solutions is celebrating
30 years of successfully developing and releasing turfgrasses with
over 20 market-leading varieties like Palmetto® St. Augustine,
Celebration® Bermudagrass, EMPIRE® Zoysia and more. Based in
Charleston, SC, Sod Solutions is
your go-to expert resource for lawn and garden content. For media
inquiries and visual materials, reach out to Cecilia Johnson at cecilia@sodsolutions.com.
Media Contact
Cecilia Johnson, Sod Solutions,
8644204377, cecilia@sodsolutions.com, https://sodsolutions.com/
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